Top 20 Greatest Anime Movies of All Time

Welcome to WatchMojo, and today we’re counting down our picks for what we believe to be the greatest cinematic triumphs in the anime scene.

This hot-blooded feature is all about putting pedals to metal via the Redline, an intergalactic race where staying alive proves to be just as tricky as passing the finish line. This thing is a pure adrenaline rush, and while the story may not strike as much of a chord, the racing sequences, along with the spicy relationship between JP and Sonoshee, keeps things lively all-throughout. Besides, it gave us one of anime’s greatest pompadours, and that’s saying something!

Taking what was initially a precursor premise and turning into a feature length film that directly ties into and influences the future of one of modern anime’s biggest hits was quite the play. Thankfully the result was monumental, given how Yuta’s journey as a long-suffering youth to one of the deadliest sorcerers in existence was utterly thrilling. The fights here are beyond intense, with Yuta establishing himself as such a compelling character that come the end of the flick, we can’t help but wonder if he would have made a better lead than Yuji! The Shibuya Arc wouldn’t have been nearly as rich without this to spice it up.

There’s a reason this giant fluffball became Ghibi’s mascot. After making a fresh start in the countryside, a family come across a variety of strange and enchanting creatures, including the titular Totoro. This is a very low stakes and effortlessly charming slice of life fantasy that will nonetheless reel you. From the uncanny Cat Bus all the way to Tortoro making all things spontaneously grow, there’s a pure, magical quality to this film that continues to astound, even among Ghibli’s extensive catalog.

You couldn’t ask for a better way to conclude the rivalry between Amuro and Char, let alone bring an end to the original Gundam series. Fuelled by the desire to destroy all of humanity, the Red Comet sets about kickstarting one final battle, prompting the likes of Amuro to once again get in the robot, and end things for good. As expected of the Universal Century, we’re showcased to the best and worst of both sides of the conflict, and there is no shortage of deaths to leave you hollow, in between all the amazing mecha bouts, that is,

This thing ticked so many boxes for Dragon Ball fans it's astounding. Coming off the hype of the Tournament of Power, this film gave us the greatest animation the franchise has ever seen, fight scenes as fluid as they were frenzied, and did an incredible job of reintroducing and recontextualising fan-favorite powerhouse Broly. While you might have to be a DB fan to fully appreciate all its facets, the thrill of that final fight alone is enough to give any viewer goosebumps!

To call this a runaway success would be a discredit, given how it earned more money than God and fully demonstrated just what Ufotable are capable of in the visual department. Continuing the story of Demon Slayer, Tanjiro and his companions soon find themselves under siege when their train comes under threat from Muzan's elite demonic forces. What follows is the most beautiful serenade of swords, blood splatter and anime tropes, all leading to the now legendary bout between Rengoku and Akaza. Shonen fights don’t get more cinematic than this!

The precursor to all things Ghibli, and one of the purest examples of Miyazaki’s magic as a filmmaker. From the corrupted yet enchanting environments to its spirited lead as she attempts to stop a wayward kingdom of humans from destroying all of nature, Nausicaa’s journey blends its messaging with fantastical adventure brilliantly. It also really knows how to embrace the grotesque and macabre aspects of its creatures and world-building. We know they’re innocent and all, but the Ohmu still creeps us out!

The latest in Makoto Shinkai’s flicks focusing on a coming-of-age story meshed with mythical elements and meteorological phenomena, Suzume nonetheless maintains the quality and beauty his works are known for. In an attempt to stop a series of earthquakes from devastating her home, the titular Suzume traverses the country, forced to close chosen doorways, or risk the wrath of a monstrous sandworm. It is just as bizarre as it sounds, and yet utterly gorgeous to behold. Keep doing you sir, and we’ll keep enjoying these lavish tales of youth and disaster!

Fair warning, this one cuts deep. A rich, heartbreaking yet ultimately hopeful look at how one’s childhood actions can haunt a person, and just how difficult it can be to seek out redemption. After tormenting a deaf girl during their younger years, Ishida endeavors to make things right now that he’s come to regret his actions. What follows is a beautiful and uncompromising examination at how preconceptions, violence, disabilities and teenage mentalities can destroy a person, as well as make them a better

Picking up where the hit series left off, SOS Brigade member Kyon wakes up one morning to discover high schooler / unknowing god Haruhi Suzumiya no longer exists. But is this a blessing or a curse? Disappearance trades much of the humor the series is known for in exchange for a potent study of Kyon’s character and what he truly feels for Haruhi. With some of Kyoto Animation’s best work in terms of visuals, this journey through the looking glass is a true delight.

The film that redefined sci-fi, breathed new life into cyberpunk, and in many ways, introduced the western world to how gritty and compelling the mature side of anime could be. The driving force of its neo-noir plot is Major Kusanagi and her elite Section 9 unit as they track down an infamous hacker, though in many ways it also serves as a springboard for discussion on the nature of man and machine, and just how dangerously close the two are becoming. With philosophy and action aplenty, it’s no wonder this film has become such an inspiration beyond its medium.

After accidentally offending a witch, a young woman named Sophie is cursed with old age. Her only hope for a cure is to seek out the feared wizard, Howl, and - of course - his moving castle. As whimsical a fantasy film as you could expect, there’s a reason why this Ghibli classic is so ingrained into the hearts of numerous generations. Apart from the inspired visuals, the characters really carry this. From the curious and straight-laced Sophie, to the suave yet childish Howl, this eclectic group are easily some of the most recognizable in anime history.

This thing is a marvel due the sheer amount of layers it has to it. On the one hand, it’s a conclusion to Neon Genesis Evangelion – one that sees the end of the world, Shinji undergoing a series of mental breakdowns, and everyone we love being brutally killed. So yeah, a major bummer saturated in Abrahamic symbolism. Dig a little deeper, and this film’s creation was spurned from spite due to the absurd feedback from fans over the original series’ abstract ending. No matter how you choose to look at it, it’s as bleak a conclusion one could expect…but there’s still an undeniable beauty to its apocalyptic aesthetic.

We couldn’t ask for a better way for the hilarious samurai with a silver soul to end his long tenure. The comedy is still present here and there, why wouldn’t it be? But the main focus is on Gintoki tying up loose ends with his past…and by that we mean him beating the ever loving fourth wall out of longtime foe Utsuro. While it is very much a conclusion to a franchise that feels impossible to summarize given immense zaniness, and as a result, not exactly newcomer friendly, the action here is utterly sublime, giving Odd Jobs Gin the richest send off you could ask for.

You can’t bring up the conversation of the greatest anime films without bringing up Satoshi Kon. The man knows how to make magic – the kind of magic that leaves you disturbed and intrigued down to your bones. The best example of this being the psychological masterpiece that is Perfect Blue, where an idol turned actress finds herself dealing with everything from paranoia, murder, and the blurring of her reality. Not only is this exquisitely unsettling, but the way it correctly predicted the dangers of the internet and fan culture is borderline prophetic.

Cinematic brilliance flows through this film like a river. Miyazaki’s storytelling and environmental consciousness seamlessly blend together to create a fantasy tale filled with just as much action as there are poignant character moments. In fact, this might be Ghibli’s darkest film, and it’s all the better for it. In order to stop a conflict between a warmonger and the divine denizens of nature, an exiled prince allies himself with a young woman raised by wolves. This really is essential for viewing for anyone who even moderately has an interest in anime or great film in general.

Satoshi Kon strikes again, though this time he’s swapping out the psychological for the contemplative, and in doing so crafts a deeply moving tale, layered with the eternal question of “what could have been”. Two documentary filmmakers seek out Chiyoko Fujiwara, an actress long missing from the spotlight. Upon finding her, she reminisces about her career. From there, the film becomes an ever twisting mesh of genre and time, as through each performance, we’re able to garner a better understanding of Chiyoko’s life, and the highs and lows that occurred off-screen.

It started with body swapping, it ended with one of anime’s greatest romances. After waking up in each other’s bodies, Taki and Mitsuha start to slowly experience one another’s lives, not only as the opposite sex but also in two completely different lifestyles. Things only get crazier when time travel and a looming catastrophe are added to the mix, and yet all throughout – their love story remains wholly endearing and expertly crafted. You truly want nothing but happiness for both of them with all your heart, and we don’t care what Makoto Shinkai says – his work here is incredible, to the extent we’re not sure how he’d improve it!

Neo Tokyo 2019. A war is about to erupt between the remnants of the military, a rebel with the greatest futuristic bike of all time…and a psychically imbued teenager with a god complex. Over thirty years later, it’s still awesome. The animation for the time was groundbreaking, the intriguing lore woven into the dystopian setting, all helmed by two of anime’s greatest frenemies, both burnt by tragedy, both brought to blows when Tetsuo’s newfound omnipotence threatens to decimate everything.

It speaks to the sheer majesty of this film that even among the pantheon of enchanting films that bear the Ghibli name, this undoubtedly stands at the top. Everything magical about the artform and Miyazaki’s sensibilities as a storyteller and animator can be found here. In order to free her parents from a curse, young Chihiro must enter a realm of spirits, both well-meaning and insidious, leading to a dangerously delightful adventure filled to the brim with moments that have become ingrained into the culture for all time. It’s a special one all right.
Which anime film is your all-time favorite? Let us know in the comments!